Commencement and Recognition Ceremonies

General Information FAQs

When is the Baccalaureate Mass?

Baccalaureate Mass will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. Please check back shortly for directions on how to RSVP.
 

What is Baccalaureate Mass?

Baccalaureate Mass is a special Catholic tradition that celebrates your achievements as well as our institution’s Catholic Franciscan identity. You do not need to be Catholic to join in this time-honored celebration. 
 

When and where is the Alvernia commencement ceremony?

Commencement is Saturday, May 9, 2026. The ceremony will be held at Santander Arena, located at 700 Penn St., Reading, PA.

• Doors will open for guests at 8:45 a.m. The Commencement procession will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
• Students should refer to the “FAQ for Students” section below regarding arrival details and line-up times. (Check this page often. This section will be updated frequently over the next few months.)
   

How long is the commencement ceremony?

The ceremony will be approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
 

How many tickets will graduates receive for guests?

Each graduate will receive up to ten (10) guest tickets for the Commencement Ceremony at Santander Arena. Should there be extra tickets after graduates have claimed their tickets, additional tickets may be available based on the number requests. Additional information will be posted as it is available.

Any family or friends who do not have a ticket or would like to view the commencement ceremony from afar can do so through the live webcast found on the Alvernia Commencement page the day of the ceremony. 
 

How do graduates receive their commencement guest tickets?

Students will claim their guest tickets virtually. Please check back shortly for more information regarding when and how tickets can be available.

Each graduate will receive up to ten (10) guest tickets for the ceremony.
 

Will the ceremony be live-streamed?

The ceremony will be live-streamed so that friends and family who are not in attendance can watch and celebrate. Links will be available on this page the day of the ceremony.
 

Will any shuttles run to Santander Arena?

Alvernia shuttles will run from the Student Center Shuttle Circle, dropping riders off at the corner of Penn Street and Eighth Street. Shuttles will begin running on a continuous basis. After the ceremony is over, shuttles will pick riders up at the same location on the corner of Penn Street and Eighth Street and return to campus.
 

Who is the commencement speaker for the ceremonies?

Please check back shortly for more details regarding the 2026 Commencement Speaker.
 

What are some hotels in the area?

See the hotel information at the bottom of this page.
 

What are some restaurants in the area?

Check out our Discover Greater Reading page for a list of restaurants in the area.
 

FAQs for Graduates

Must graduates RSVP for the commencement ceremony?

Yes, all graduates must RSVP to the commencement ceremony. It is important students respond to tell us if they will or will not be attending the Commencement ceremony.

Please check back shortly for more information regarding when and how to R.S.V.P.
 

Do I have to pay for my cap and gown?

There is a mandatory fee for all graduating students completing an associate, undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree. It covers the administrative costs, as well as the commencement ceremony (participating or not), cap/gown, Latin Honor cord (if applicable), Honors Program graduate cord (if applicable), and diploma and cover.
 

What are affinity stoles?

These maroon Alvernia stoles, worn by undergraduates and five-year master program students, recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the graduate. The attached pins represent the clubs and services students participated in during their time with the university. The stoles also provide an opportunity for graduates to honor those who have helped them achieve their milestones by writing names on the inside of stole. During this time of reflection and new beginnings, students can keep the stole or present this to a family member or friend that has supported their scholarly pursuit.  

Affinity stoles will be distributed at Grad Finale with student’s cap and gown.
 

I'm not planning to attend the ceremony. Do I have to pay a commencement fee?

Yes. There is a mandatory fee for all graduating students completing an associate, undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree. It covers the administrative costs as well as the commencement ceremony (participating or not), cap/gown, Latin Honor cord (if applicable), Honors Program graduate cord (if applicable), diploma and cover.
 

How do graduates receive their cap and gown?

All students who pre-ordered their cap and gown will be available for pick up during Grad Finale. If you missed the preorder deadline, all regular and XL sizes will be available at Grad Finale. Graduates receiving their Doctoral degree, please reach out to the Alvernia bookstore with your name, height and weight so we can order your rental regalia.  If you have questions about your cap and gown, please contact the Alvernia University Bookstore at 0562mgr@follett.com.

Check back for Grad Finale dates.
 

How do graduates receive any cords they have earned?

Latin Honors status is based on cumulative grade point average at the end of MOD 3 for undergraduate students only and with the 5 year-MSOT and 5 year-MSAT at their bachelor level completion.

• 3.50-3.69: cum laude
• 3.70-3.89: magna cum laude
• 3.90-4.0: summa cum laude

Latin honor cords will be presented at Honors Convocation. The cords will be available at Grad Finale, before and after Honors Convocation, and at registration on Commencement day. Latin Honors students will be recognized for their academic accomplishments at Honors Convocation.    

Students graduating from the Honors Program will also be presented with cords at Honors Convocation.  

Cord/pin/medal from an academic Honor Society or non-academic club and or service - Advisors will be reaching out to you on how you will be receiving those.
 

What is Honors Convocation?

Honors Convocation is an annual celebration where students are recognized for their distinguished academic achievements. It is one of the University’s most important academic traditions.  

Honors Convocation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in the Physical Education Center (PEC). Students will receive notification via their Alvernia email account if they will be receiving an award or cord at Honors Convocation.
 

When do graduates receive their diplomas?

Graduates do not receive their actual diplomas at the commencement ceremony. Diploma processing typically takes about 8-10 weeks after completion of your degree requirements. Graduates will be notified by email when their diploma is available. All outstanding obligations, financial or other, to the university must be cleared before the diplomas are made available.
 

What should graduates know about how to wear academic attire?

Gowns should be taken out of bags and pressed before the Commencement ceremony. Appropriate dress attire is requested to be worn under gowns, and sensible shoes are recommended.  

For Commencement, students should wear their cap, gown, hood and any awarded cords/stoles. Tassels should be placed on the right side of your cap.
 

What is the graduation survey?

Each graduate will be asked to complete an online survey. The information will be emailed to you from the Office of Institutional Research. Please complete the survey before the Commencement Ceremony.
 

What are any additional tips for graduates?

• It is recommended that all personal items are left with family members during the Commencement ceremony.
• We recommend that students eat and drink before Commencement.
• Appropriate footwear is highly recommended for graduates.

FAQs for Guests

How can I purchase a gift for my graduate?

Flowers, stuffed Golden Wolves and custom Alvernia University Alumni mugs will all be available for pre-order. Orders can be placed online and picked up on the day of commencement in the lobby of Santander Arena.

The link to the online order form will be available here in early 2026.
 

Who will need a ticket to attend the ceremonies as a guest?

Everyone above the age of 3 will be required to have a ticket for entry into the ceremonies. Children under the age of 3 must be accompanied by an adult and sit on the lap of that adult.
 

Will there be accessible seating at Santander Arena?

There is no reserved seating, so if your party needs to be seated in a specific area, please arrive as close to the opening as possible.

• Wheelchair accessible seating is available starting in section 107. Should section 107 become full, additional handicap-accessible seating is available on the suite level starting in section 108, then section 109, followed by section 110.
• Limited stair access seating is available at each arena section entrance. Sections 106, 107 and 108 offer seating that doesn’t require stair usage.
• Elevators are available to assist in transportation to these sections located in the main lobby.
• Please note, it is recommended that guests needing mobility devices and wheelchairs should bring them from home.
   

Will food or drinks be available to guests?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted. There will be concessions stands with drinks and snacks. Please note that Santander Arena is cashless. They do accept all major credit/debit cards and Apple Pay.
 

Are balloons and noisemakers permitted at Commencement?

Air horns and balloons are not permitted in the arena. Any balloons brought will need to be left outside and air horns/noisemakers discarded in the trash.

We ask that everyone please be respectful of other graduates and their families during the ceremony as everyone would like to hear their graduate’s name be announced.
 

Hotel Information

Alvernia University suggests the following hotels for guests:
 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading

701 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601

• Reserve a room
   

Hampton Inn Reading/Wyomissing

1800 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610

• Reserve a room
   

Homewood Suites by Hilton Reading

2801 Papermill Road, Reading, PA 19610
610-736-2082

Mention Alvernia to receive a discount.

• Reserve a room
   

Best Western Plus Reading Inn & Suites

2299 Lancaster Pike, Shillington, PA 19607

• Reserve a room
   

Courtyard by Marriott Reading/Wyomissing

150 N. Park Road, Reading, PA 19610

• Reserve a room
   

The Gables at Stirling Guest Hotel

1120 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601

• Reserve a room
   

Candlewood Suites Reading

55 S. Third Ave., Reading, PA 19611

• Reserve a room
   

2025 Commencement Recap

Alvernia celebrated more than 550 students in the Class of 2025 with a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, as a part of a graduating student celebration weekend in front of family and friends. Individual pictures were taken at the ceremony by Grad Images. Students, families and supporters can view the pictures on gradimages.com and purchase directly through the website. If you have any questions, contact them directly at 800-261-2576. Additional photos of the commencement ceremony, the Honors Convocation and the Baccalaureate Mass are available to download.

• Watch the Ceremony

• Commencement Program

2024 Commencement Recap

Alvernia celebrated more than 600 students in the Class of 2024 with a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, as a part of a revamped graduating student celebration weekend in front of family and friends. Individual pictures were taken at the ceremony by Grad Images. Students, families and supporters can view the pictures on gradimages.com and purchase directly through the website. If you have any questions, contact them directly at 800-261-2576. Additional photos of the commencement ceremony and the Baccalaureate Mass are available to download.
  

• Watch the Ceremony

• View the Commencement Program

2023 Commencement Recap

Alvernia celebrated more than 600 students in the Class of 2023 with a pair of commencement ceremonies in front of family and friends at the university’s stadium on May 13. Individual pictures were taken at the ceremonies by Grad Images. Students and family can view the pictures on gradimages.com and purchase directly through the website. If you have any questions, contact them at 800-261-2576.

Additional photos of the morning ceremony, the afternoon ceremony and the Baccalaureate Mass are available on SmugMug. All of the ceremonies can be watched back as well: Baccalaureate Mass, Morning Ceremony, Afternoon Ceremony.